Chemistry

  1. Earth

    Help for a world drowning in microplastics

    Microplastic pollution in our oceans and lakes is a problem. Scientists are testing solutions — from more biodegradable recipes to nanotechnology.

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  2. Physics

    Like Magneto? Microcrystals give magnets superpower over living cells

    New iron-rich protein crystals could help researchers better understand the nerve cells that control movement and sensation. All they need are magnets.

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  3. Chemistry

    Scientists look to hack photosynthesis for a ‘greener’ planet

    Photosynthesis turns sunlight into energy for plants. Scientists want to know more about it, imitate it — even improve it.

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  4. Chemistry

    Chemistry’s ever-useful periodic table celebrates a big birthday

    2019 is the International Year of the Periodic Table. But the traditional chart is just one of many shapes that chemists and other scientists have developed to organize the elements.

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  5. Chemistry

    Leftover opioids? Teen finds possible way to kill such pills

    Mercedes Randhahn, 14, of Ogden, Utah, came up with a possible way to chemically deactivate unused opioid pills. Her research paved the way to a $2,500 prize.

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  6. Chemistry

    Explainer: What are acids and bases?

    These chemistry terms tell us if a molecule is more likely to give up a proton or pick up a new one.

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  7. Materials Science

    Reversible superglue mimics snail slime

    Inspired by snail slime, scientists have created the first super-strong adhesive that can be easily become unstuck, when necessary.

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  8. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Periodic table

    The periodic table is a chart showing all the known chemical elements. An element’s location in the table reveals a lot about its chemistry.

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  9. Chemistry

    Cool Job: One green chemist is mining zoo dung for biological helpers

    Her goal is to convert farm-field wastes into useful fuels and chemicals

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  10. Chemistry

    2019 Nobel Prize in chemistry goes for pioneering lithium-ion batteries

    Today’s lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones to computers. Three scientists who pioneered those batteries just got the 2019 Nobel Prize in chemistry.

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  11. Physics

    Scientists find the secret to colossal bubbles

    What’s the right mix of materials to blow big bubbles that stretch without popping? Physicists have turned up the solution.

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  12. Chemistry

    Chemists have created a ring-shaped form of carbon

    A ring-shaped carbon molecule takes its place among buckyballs, carbon nanotubes and other odd forms of the element.

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